This loss could spell the end for North Melbourne's finals hopes. After the four heartbreaking losses by less than a goal in the opening 10 rounds, this one wasn't really close. After the customary blistering start (up by 25 at the first change), it was all one-way traffic. The Kangaroos are now 4-7 and two wins out of the eight entering the bye. It goes no easier after the break, with a trip to Patersons Stadium to take on Fremantle.

On the other hand, Gold Coast is quickly starting to resemble a team of men before our eyes. Following their slow start, the second, third and fourth quarters were remarkable, with a tackling pressure and intensity around the contest not seen in their first two-and-a-half years. When the Suns had the ball, they spread in numbers, and when they didn't, they hunted in packs. The Suns dominated disposals (379-302) yet, still racked up 98 tackles (to North's 106). After quarter-time they went inside 50 an incredible 57-22 and could have easily won by more.

Guy McKenna's provocative pre-game comments came home to roost. He suggested Brad Scott's men were fast starters who could feel the heat as the game wore on. "I think they've shown their inability to sustain games. I think they're vulnerable after quarter-time, let's be honest," he said. And it's hard to argue. North led by 25 points at quarter-time and kicked just four goals in the final three quarters.

After Jimmy Bartel's masterclass against the Suns last week, Gary Ablett again put his name up as the best wet weather player in the game. When others slipped and slided their way around Metricon Stadium, the little master was peerless. He kicked his usual once-a-week freak goal with a right foot snap in the second quarter and set up another with a sublime pick-up off his laces as the Suns took control. When Sam Gibson brought the margin to five points at the start of the last quarter, no prizes for guessing who replied just seconds later. Thirty-three disposals, seven clearances and two goals – all in a night's work.

Lindsay Thomas jumped back to the top of the Coleman Medal race with his two goals, but he was left red-faced after a first quarter howler. The North Melbourne small forward intercepted a dangerous Tom Murphy cross-field pass and had an open 50m in front of him. After two bounces he steadied from 15m and kicked into the post. Only Thomas will know why he didn't run to the goalmouth with no-one on his tail. It got worse less than two minutes later when he hit the opposite post with a set shot after the siren.